Tragedy struck in the early hours of Wednesday when a fire outbreak consumed five shops situated beside the Olowo-Ifon shopping complex in the Orita Challenge area of Ibadan, Oyo State. The inferno, which started at approximately 2:24 a.m., was confirmed by the Chairman of the Oyo State Fire Service, Maroof Akinwande, who credited the swift response of firefighters for preventing a wider catastrophe.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, Akinwande noted that although five out of eleven shops were completely destroyed, quick intervention helped save adjoining businesses and the nearby shopping complex.

“Our personnel acted quickly and were able to salvage properties worth millions of naira. Unfortunately, five shops were lost to the flames before we could bring the situation under control,” he said.

Preliminary investigations by the fire service indicate that the blaze was likely triggered by an electrical surge, which is believed to have ignited flammable materials stored within or near the affected shops. The intensity of the fire spread quickly due to the combustible nature of the goods, many of which were made of wood, plastic, and textiles.

Akinwande used the incident to reiterate the importance of fire safety awareness, urging both residents and business owners to take preventive measures seriously, especially during the dry season when fire risks are typically higher.

“This incident is a stark reminder of the dangers of poor electrical wiring and storage of flammable materials. We are calling on the public to ensure regular electrical checks and avoid overloading power sources,” he added.

There were no casualties reported, but affected shop owners have been left counting their losses, as most of the goods consumed by the fire were uninsured.

Eyewitnesses and local residents also praised the fire service for their prompt arrival, noting that the damage could have been much worse had the fire spread to the main shopping complex, which houses dozens of stores and attracts daily foot traffic from across the city.

As investigations continue, the Oyo State Fire Service says it will increase community outreach and fire safety education, especially in high-density commercial areas vulnerable to similar outbreaks.